Ground-loading vehicle platform for pickup truck

ABSTRACT

A hydraulic deck comprising a frame consisting of a pair of horizontal members and a pair of vertical members, wherein the frame is configured to be mounted in a bed of a pickup truck; a pair of pivot arm members in telescoping engagement with the pair of horizontal members and a pair of extension members in telescoping engagement with the pair of vertical members; a platform member configured to support at least one vehicle; a pair of pillars rotationally connected to pin members positioned on the pair of extension members, wherein the pair of pillar extend perpendicularly from the platform member; and a mechanically operating lifting system configured to slide and lower the platform from the bed in a stored position to a ground surface in a loading position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to United Kingdom PatentApplication serial number 1611973.7, filed on Jul. 9, 2016 entitled“Hydraulic Deck for Sled and All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)”, the disclosureof which is hereby incorporated in its entirety at least by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to racks, attachment structuresand platforms but more particularly to a hydraulic deck for mountingvehicles on a pickup truck.

2. Description of Related Art

There are limited options when transported recreational vehicles, suchas snowmobiles, ATV, and motorcycles. One option is by way of a hitchedtrailer. Another option is by mounting and securing them inside a bed ofa pickup truck. In both cases, a ramp is required for loading andunloading the recreational vehicle. In the art, there are tiltabletrailers that exist, which do not require a ramp, as the tilting of thetrailer brings its tail down to the ground. In all cases, however, thereis an incline that has to be negotiated and it can be challenging if therecreational vehicle is heavy. Consequently, there needs to be animproved for mounting recreational vehicles on a pickup truck.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention, hydraulic deck is provided,comprising a frame consisting of a pair of horizontal members and a pairof vertical members, wherein the frame is configured to be mounted in abed of a pickup truck; a pair of pivot arm members in telescopingengagement with the pair of horizontal members and a pair of extensionmembers in telescoping engagement with the pair of vertical members; aplatform member configured to support at least one vehicle; a pair ofpillars rotationally connected to pin members positioned on the pair ofextension members, wherein the pair of pillar extend perpendicularlyfrom the platform member; and a mechanically operating lifting systemconfigured to slide and lower the platform from the bed in a storedposition to a ground surface in a loading position.

In one embodiment, the mechanically operating lifting system includes apair of weldments forming a structural body configured and sized to fitinside the bed of the pickup truck. In one embodiment, the mechanicallyoperating lifting system comprises a pair of chain loops and a pair ofpiston members, wherein each of the pair of chain loops are configuredto engage a first and second pair of sprockets respectively, and thepair of piston members each having a piston rod connected to each of thepair of chain loops via connection brackets. In one embodiment, the pairof chain loops, the pair of piston members, the first and second pair ofsprockets, and connection brackets are designed to fit inside the pairof weldments. In one embodiment, each of the first and second pair ofsprockets of are located at opposite ends of each of the pair of chainloops respectively.

In one embodiment, a pair of sprocket adjustment members configured toadjust the distance between the each of the first and second pairs ofsprockets to regulate the tension of each of the pair of chain loops areprovided. In another embodiment, a plurality of turnbuckles configuredto attach the structural body to the bed of the pickup truck areprovided. In one embodiment, the structural body includes a pair ofextension elements configured to support and guide the platform memberduring operation, wherein each of the pair of extension elements includea caster wheel at each respective distal end of the pair of extensionelements. In another embodiment, each of the pair of extension elementsare constructed with a hockey stick shape. In yet another embodiment, asub platform underneath the platform member is provided. In oneembodiment, the sub platform includes a pair of support ledgesconfigured to provide support to the at least one vehicle.

In one embodiment, the at least one vehicle is a vehicle having a sled.In another embodiment, the at least one vehicle is selected from thelist of an all-terrain vehicle, an off-highway vehicle, a utilityvehicle, a motorcycle, or a sled vehicle. In one embodiment, extensionsupport members configured to accept two vehicles side by side areprovided. In yet another embodiment, a pair of skates extending from apair of protracting members are provided, wherein the pair of skates isconfigured to make first contact with the ground surface when theplatform is lowered. In one embodiment, each of the pair of skatesincludes a wheel facilitating the operation of the platform member afterfirst contact with the ground surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hydraulic deck according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the hydraulic deck according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-B are isometric views of the sub platform of the hydraulic deckaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A-B are isometric views of the platform with the sub platform ofthe hydraulic deck retracted and protracted respectfully according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a skate of the hydraulic deck according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the hydraulic deck mounted on a pickuptruck according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a section view of the hydraulic deck mounted on the pickuptruck according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a vehicle installed on the platform ofthe hydraulic deck mounted on the pickup truck according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A-E are section views of the operation of the hydraulic deckaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 10A-B are exploded views of the top side and the bottom side ofthe platform and the sub platform with extensions according to anembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled inthe art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modescontemplated by the inventor of carrying out their invention. Variousmodifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled inthe art, since the general principles of the present invention have beendefined herein to specifically provide hydraulic deck for mountingvehicles on a pickup truck.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-10, a hydraulic deck 10 and various componentsof the hydraulic deck are illustrated. The hydraulic deck is configuredto be positioned in a bed 20 of a pickup truck 14. The hydraulic liftcomprises a mechanically operated lifting system 16 having a pair ofchain loops 24 engaging a first and second pair of sprockets 26 and 27respectively, wherein each of the first and second sprockets of the pairof sprockets are located at opposite ends of the pair of chain loops.The lifting system further comprises a pair of piston members 28 eachhaving a piston rod 30 connected to the pair of chain loops via a pairof connection brackets 32. The operation and further components of thelifting system will be described in detail below.

The hydraulic deck further comprises a pair of horizontal frame members35 and a pair of vertical frame members 39 joined via connectionbrackets 55 at respective proximal ends. In one embodiment, aperpendicular support frame member 56 is attached to the connectionbrackets, the length of the perpendicular support frame determining thewidth between the horizontal frame members. A pair of pivot arm members34 is connected to the pair of horizontal frame members and a pair ofextension members 38 is connected to the pair of vertical frame members.In one embodiment, the pivot arm members and extension members telescopeon the horizontal and vertical frame members respectively, wherein thelength of each combination is adjustable via bolts 57/58 or any othermechanical fastener as well known in the art. The adjustable combinationis a particular advantage of the present invention, as the size of theframe is adjustable and is configured to allow the hydraulic deck to fitvarious pickup truck bed sizes. In one embodiment, a head mount 36 isfixedly attached to the pair of extension members. In one embodiment,the vertical frame members and the respective extension members areconfigured to fit in the front of pickup truck bed.

In one embodiment, pin members 43 are positioned at a top portion ofeach of the pair of extension members. In one embodiment, pillars 49 arerotationally connected to the pin members, wherein the pillars extendperpendicularly from a platform member 18. The platform member isconfigured to support a vehicle 12. In alternative embodiments, morethan one vehicle, such as two vehicles side by side can be configured tofit when extension support members 22 are provided. The vehicle may beany sized vehicle that fits the platform member, but the hydraulic deckis specifically configured for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), anoff-highway vehicle (OHV), a utility vehicle (UTV), a motorcycle, or asled vehicle, such as a snowmobile.

During operation, when the piston rods retract, the pair of chain loopsand the first sprockets rotate. As the first sprockets rotate, the pairof pivot arm members connected the first sprockets rotate which liftsand slides the platform member out of the bed of the pickup truck andprogressively down to the ground as seen in FIGS. 9A-E. The pillarmembers rotate relative to the extension members as the platform memberis lowered to the ground. This is a particular advantage of the presentinvention, as it allows a vehicle 12 to be placed and/or driven on theplatform when the platform is on ground level, so there is no need for aramp.

In one embodiment, sprocket adjustment members 29 are provided, whereinthe sprocket adjustment member adjusts the distance between the firstand second sprockets to regulate the tension of the chain loop, thus theenergy transfer from the energy required to lower and raise the platformcan be adjusted and controlled if needed.

In one embodiment, the mechanically operated lifting system is locatedin the bed of the pickup truck under the platform member, best seen inFIG. 7. In one embodiment, the lifting system further comprises astructural body 47 configured and sized to fit inside the bed of thepickup truck. In one embodiment, a plurality of turnbuckles 45 are usedto attach the structural body to the bed, such as via hook receivingmembers (not illustrated) found in bed of the pickup truck as well knownin the art. The components of the lifting system, including but notlimited to the pair of chain loops, the first and second sprocket, thepair of piston members, and connection brackets are all designed to fitinside a pair of weldments 44 forming part of the structural body, bestseen in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the structural body comprises has apair of extension elements 53, each having a caster wheel 54 at eachrespective distal end of the pair of extension elements. In oneembodiment, the pair of extension elements is constructed with a hockeystick shape. The extension elements help support and guide the platformmember during operation.

Best seen in FIGS. 3A-B, 4B, and 10A-B, in one embodiment, a subplatform 46 is provided underneath the platform member. The sub platformincludes a pair of support ledges 48 configured to provide support whenthe vehicle is of the sled variety, such as the skis of a snowmobile.Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, at least one diagonal channel 50 isconfigured to accept at least one roller element 52 to facilitate thesub platform being extended and retracted from underneath the platformmember. It is a particular advantage of the present invention that theat least one diagonal channel allows the sub platform to be positionedunderneath the platform member when recessed (FIG. 3B/4A).

In one embodiment, a pair of skates 40 extends from protracting members41, wherein the skates make first contact with the ground when theplatform member is lowered. Best seen in FIG. 5, each of the pair ofskates include a wheel 42 facilitating the operation of the platformmember after contact and guiding the platform member on the ground asseen in FIGS. 9C-E. FIGS. 9A-B, show the first steps of operations ofthe unloading of the loading vehicle platform, which includes thelowering of the rear gate 61 of the pickup truck bed and the start ofthe rotation of the pivot arm members 34 causing the platform member 18to be displaced from its resting position on top of the pickup truckbed. As illustrated in FIG. 9B-C, during the rotation of the pivot armmembers 34, the platform member 18 may rest upon the caster wheels 54 ofeach extension elements 53, such that the weight of the platform member18 and any vehicle that may be carried on top may be distributed throughthe structure of the vehicle loading platform and the frame of thepickup truck on which it is mounted. FIG. 9C illustrates the position ofthe system once the skates 40 contact the ground. FIGS. 9D-E illustratesthe operation of the mechanism between the ground contact of the skates40 and the fully grounded position of the platform member 18. As shownin FIG. 9E, when transitioned to the complete grounding position of theplatform member 18, the pivot arm members 34 are in a position lowerthan the caster wheels 54 of each extension elements 53. In suchposition, the pivot arm members 34 may have experienced a rotation whichwould interfere with the pickup truck bed's gate 61 had it not beenlowered initially.

Although the invention has been described in considerable detail inlanguage specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to beunderstood that the invention defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather,the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary preferredforms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is tobe understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, aswell as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should notbe regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrativeembodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variationsand alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Suchvariations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, thelabels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse,clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such asupper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal,distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. havebeen used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to implyany particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used toreflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations betweenvarious portions of an object.

In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. membersthroughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used toshow a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used todistinguish or identify the various members of the group.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ground-loading vehicle platform comprising: aplatform support frame consisting of at least one horizontal member andat least one vertical member; at least one pivot arm member intelescoping engagement with the at least one horizontal member; at leastone extension member in telescoping engagement with the at least onevertical members; a platform member configured to support at least onevehicle; at least one pillar rotationally connected to a pin memberpositioned on the at least one extension member, wherein the at leastone pillar extends perpendicularly from the platform member; and astructural body supporting a mechanically operating lifting systemconfigured to be mounted to a pickup truck, wherein said mechanicallyoperating lifting system is configured to slide and lower the platformmember from a stored position over a bed of the pickup truck to aloading position on a ground surface by a rotation of said at least onepivot arm member.
 2. The ground-loading vehicle platform of claim 1,wherein said structural body is configured and sized to fit inside thebed of the pickup truck.
 3. The ground-loading vehicle platform of claim1, wherein the mechanically operating lifting system comprises at leastone chain loop and at least one piston member, wherein said chain loopis configured to engage at least a first and second pair of sprockets,and the at least one piston member having a piston rod connected to theat least one chain loop via connection brackets.
 4. The ground-loadingvehicle platform of claim 3, wherein the at least one chain loop, the atleast one piston member, the at least first and second sprockets, andconnection brackets are designed to fit inside the structural body. 5.The ground-loading vehicle platform of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of turnbuckles configured to attach the structural body to thebed of the pickup truck.
 6. The ground-loading vehicle platform of claim1, wherein the structural body includes at least one platform supportingextension element configured to support and guide the platform memberduring operation, wherein the at least one platform supporting extensionelement includes a caster wheel at a distal end of the at least oneplatform supporting extension elements.
 7. The ground-loading vehicleplatform of claim 6, wherein the at least one platform supportingextension element is constructed with a hockey stick shape.
 8. Theground-loading vehicle platform of claim 1, further comprising a subplatform underneath the platform member.
 9. The ground-loading vehicleplatform of claim 8, wherein the sub platform includes a pair of supportledges configured to provide support to the at least one vehicle. 10.The ground-loading vehicle platform of claim 1, wherein the at least onevehicle is selected from the list of an all-terrain vehicle, anoff-highway vehicle, a utility vehicle, a motorcycle, or a sled vehicle.11. The ground-loading vehicle platform of claim 1, further comprisingextension support members configured to laterally extend said platformmember to accept two vehicles side by side.
 12. The ground-loadingvehicle platform of claim 1, further comprising a pair of skatesextending from a pair of protracting members of said platform member,wherein the pair of skates is configured to make first contact with theground surface when the platform is lowered.
 13. The ground-loadingvehicle platform of claim 12, wherein each of the pair of skatesincludes a wheel facilitating the operation of the platform member afterfirst contact with the ground surface.